Collectibles and curiosities

One man’s collection is bringing a bit of nostalgia to family, friends and strangers.

Wally Miller, 71, and his wife Judy, both of Creston, unveiled a collection of ag-related memorabilia Thursday. The collection, Down on the Farm Museum & Emporium, is located inside a large shed at his acreage, 1200 S. Division St., just south of Highway 34.

Miller said his love for agriculture started as a young child growing up on his family’s farm northeast of Creston. It was during those days his collection of toy tractors and ag-related products began. Up until a month ago, the entire collection was in cardboard boxes.

“You get too many to put on a shelf in the house, so, you box them up and put them away,” Miller said. “But, eventually, when you get it all out, you got this.”

The collection features hundreds of toy tractors, belt buckles, artwork and a miniature library. The rustic farm equipment serves as a reminder of how far ag-technology has come.

Listening to Miller describe the vintage signs displayed around his shed helps paint a picture of Creston’s industrial history.

“Most of the signs are from here,” Miller said.

Miller points out the signs from the area — a Texaco sign from Afton, an Earl May sign from where Casa de Oro now sits, and a Vicker Feed sign, where his family purchased feed for many years.

“Many of those companies consolidated or are history now,” said Miller.

Collecting

Approximately 20 percent of the toy tractors Miller owns were ones he collected as a child.

“Often, dealers would give a toy or something to the kids,” Miller said.

Many of the items in Miller’s shed appear to be collectible. As time goes on, he’s learning more about each item, how long they were produced and how many in a series.

“You can have six of something and the next guy that walks in says, ‘you don’t have this one,” Miller said. “I didn’t know there was one.”

Miller does have a few complete sets, but, doesn’t care to have six of something.

“Every piece will stand on its own,” Miller said.

Visiting the past

As Miller connects with friends and family over rediscovered memorabilia, Miller also enjoys meeting those who share his passion for agriculture.

“For me, it just brings back memories ... memories of my childhood and my uncles farm,” Miller said.

And, judging by the visitors at his farm museum, others are drawing their own memories from the collection, as well.

“I think people are impressed with something they remember, something they can relate to, something they’ve seen, worked with or had,” said Miller.

Down on the Farm is open by appointment. To schedule a visit, contact Miller at (641) 202-4582.